1
: the chiefly dried stems and roots of any of several eastern Asian ephedras (especially Ephedra sinica) that yield ephedrine
2

Examples of ma huang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Ephedra is derived from a Chinese herb called ma huang, and when taken has effects similar to the drug speed. Emily Anderson Stern, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) máhuáng

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ma huang was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near ma huang

Cite this Entry

“Ma huang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ma%20huang. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

ma huang

noun
ˈmä-ˈhwäŋ
1
: the chiefly dried stems and roots of any of several eastern Asian ephedras (especially Ephedra sinica) that yield ephedrine
2
: ephedra sense 2
… herbal stimulants such as ma huang (ephedra) can cause dangerously high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms.William Haskell, Newsweek
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